A government minister lent his support to the city centre’s forthcoming museum and gallery at a recent event in the district.

Business minister Ed Vaizey joined St Albans MP Anne Main at a lunch hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust.

Attendees discussed ways in which the project could attract the remaining investment needed to begin the development.

The proposal is to close the Museum of St Albans and its associated gallery in Hatfield Road and move its contents into the old Town Hall in Market Place.

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has pledged £2.8 million towards the total project cost of £6.75 million and the district council has undertaken to provide an additional £2.25m.

The St Albans Museums and Galleries Trust is leading the fundraising for the remaining £1.7 million and has suggested a number of ways businesses can get involved.

They include sponsoring part of the museum and gallery, sponsoring an event, organising fundraising events, or just simply donating.

Anne Main said: “The Minister was very impressed by what St Albans had to offer. Our Conservative council are right to focus on strategy that emphasises tourism in the area, and promote the city’s proximity to London.

“We need to continue to sell St Albans so we can tap into the London tourist market and all the benefits that would bring.

“We have such a long and rich cultural history in St Albans, a new museum and gallery will display the wonderful heritage we have, and continue to promote St Albans in the decades that follow.”